BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. I4I 



CEOTRYGON MARTINICA. (G//i.) 

 Key West Dove. 



Winter Pluinage, Male. — Above, chestnut-rufous ; crown and 

 neck with metalHc reflections of green and purple ; back showing 

 brilliant purple, reflections becoming less distinct on the rump ; a 

 band of white from the base of the lower mandible under the eye 

 to the side of the neck, bordered below by a streak of dull purple ; 

 under parts showing the breast pale purple, becoming dull white on 

 the throat and abdomen ; primaries, bright rufous, becoming darker 

 at the tips ; tail, rufous ; legs, red. 



Length 10.75, 'wing 6, tail 4.30, tarsus i, bill .90. 



This beautiful Pigeon is an abundant resident. It is to be met 

 with in small flocks, and generally inhabits the heavily wooded parts 

 of the islands. They remain concealed during the heat of the dav, 

 but early in the morning often come out into the open ground 

 to feed. On several occasions I saw birds of this species exhibited 

 for sale at the market in Nassau, and had the good fortune to 

 procure several very fine specimens which were brought in bv the 

 negroes. The note is low and mournful, and is often heard during 

 the early hours of the morning. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 282. 



